Orlando Pirates dominate latest Bafana Bafana squad

The squad is made up largely of Orlando Pirates players, amid the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns personnel who are preparing for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

The Brazilians are also currently in Cairo, where they are set to face Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final second leg on Sunday, 1 June, with the players enjoying a few days off before traveling to Orlando, where they play their opening fixture on 17 June.

This has opened the door for no less than nine Buccaneers to be called up, including uncapped defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, midfielder Simphiwe Selepe and forward Mohau Nkotha.

Also breaking into the final squad is former TS Galaxy defender Samukelo Kabini, who completed a club record transfer to Norwegian side FK Molde in March, while former teammate Khulumani Ndamani returns following passport issues back in March.

Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner has also earned his maiden call-up following his turn in fortunes under coach Eric Tinkler in the Betway Premiership.

Bafana will assemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, 1 June, before travelling to Polokwane, where they will host the Taifa Stars at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, 6 June, before returning to Loftus Versfeld Stadium to face The Mambas on Tuesday, 10 June.

Full Bafana Bafana squad: 

Goalkeepers: Renaldo Leaner (Sekhukhune United), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (SuperSport), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Thabo Moloisane, Fawaaz Basadien (both Stellenbosch FC), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deano van Rooyen (all Pirates), Khulumani Ndamani (TS Galaxy)

Midfielders: Luke Le Roux (IFK Varnamo, Sweden), Thalente Mbatha, Simphiwe Selepe (both Pirates), Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkotha (all Pirates), Ashley Cupido (Stellenbosch), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United)